Breathless: House of Rohan Series, Book 3

Ruined beyond repair and shunned by London society, lovely Miranda Rohan rebelliously embraces the freedom that comes from having nothing left to lose. However, this dangerous course throws her under the power of the darkly enigmatic Lucien de Malheur - known to many as the Scorpion. Seeking to destroy the Rohans, Lucien traps Miranda in a marriage she thinks is based on friendship but instead is rooted in vengeance.

Your Likes make Audible better!

Publisher's Summary

Ruined beyond repair and shunned by London society, lovely Miranda Rohan rebelliously embraces the freedom that comes from having nothing left to lose. However, this dangerous course throws her under the power of the darkly enigmatic Lucien de Malheur - known to many as the Scorpion. Seeking to destroy the Rohans, Lucien traps Miranda in a marriage she thinks is based on friendship but instead is rooted in vengeance. Yet even when she realizes the truth, their enmity fuels a shocking passion---and perhaps even more. Such a man might drive anyone to murder.

I read several bad reviews of this story (in other places) and I almost did not purchase this book. However, I really enjoyed the first two books in the series so I felt in my gut that this book couldn't be that far off the mark. I'm so glad I went with my instincts and purchased the book. None of the characters in this series are the run-of-the-mill "near perfect" people you ordinarily find in romance novels, which makes them all the more fascinating! While the male lead of this story was a particularly "disturbed" character, the female lead was more than a match for him! And while many objected that he did not repent enough in the end, it was obvious to me that she brought him to his knees on a much deeper level that I found extremely gratifying.

If you want mainstream romance with soap opera beautiful characters, you won't find it here. If you want characters that are realistically flawed, edgy and sometimes dangerous, visit the House of Rohan, from the beginning story if possible. I hope there is more to come in this series.

I really like this series. The heros(?) start off so bad that, although I know they are going to eventually redeem themselves, It's interesting to see how the author connects the dots to get them there. Also, the heroines aren't the usual cookie cutter women - these women aren't drop dead beautiful and they have some very realistic, gritty problems. I hope the author writes more in this series - they are never boring.

SPOILER ALERT: The story was unbelievable. The villain/protagonist coerces Miranda Rohan into remaining with him by threatening to kill Miranda's brother and states that he is motivated by vengeance. The basis of this vengeance? Lucien's insane half sister kills herself because of a slight from one of Miranda's brothers. Lucien commissions another man to destroy Miranda's reputation by abducting and raping her and then proceeds to rape her himself at a later point in the book. Disappointingly, Stuart describes the rape as "not rape" since Miranda didn't resist since she knew she would not be able to win and would be overpowered. After another betrayal, Lucien shows scars to Miranda, and Miranda cries and forgives everything. Lucien never earned trust or respect... never works to earn love.

What does Susan Ericksen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ericksen sounds like a very mature narrator... maybe in her mid to late 40s or 50s... not that of a woman in her 20s.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

If you haven't read this book yet, I'm jealous. You are in for such an excellent time. Anne Stuart has a gift for placing her heros dangerously close to the evil edge and this one totters thrillingly near the brink. The heroine's 'courage' is delightfully fresh and remarkably believable and the chemistry between the two is scrumptious. Enjoy!

I must be desensitized to cruel heroes. I've avoided Stuart's books for so long because according to readers the heroes are infamously cold, harsh, horrible people. Perhaps I started with the wrong one, because I wasn't too horrified by Lucien, however, I suspect that has something to do with Miranda. She is a fantastic heroine and just wouldn't let him break her down. I LOL'd when she was telling him he reminded her of a 'brooding, romantical Lord Byron' - which horrified him. He prided himself on being terrifying and she had his number. She was funny.

I would have loved this versus just liking it, but I felt like it was uneven. The best parts were rushed. There was so much that could have been done with the climax and aftermath of the "coup de grace" of Lucien's revenge plot. So much angst, so much character development and relationship building just... lost. I still cannot believe the final shoe didn't drop until 15 minutes before the recording ended. Personally, I could have done with less of the secondary romance (although it was sweet) and more time dedicated to the rest

The results of a vendetta by the Scorpion on the innocent sister of his enemy was unforgivable. The cruelty, the total lack of consideration for human life or regard for others is unexceptable, but the story kept me wanting to see how it all played out. It takes a truly talented author to keep their reader riveted to a story with such distasteful content.

I wasn't sure this would be my cup of tea but it was on sale so I gave it a shot. Can't go wrong for $4.95... after listening to it I am going to listen to the rest of the series. Very smart audible! I loved the characters from the begining. At first I wasn't sure of the narrator but realized that she does an excellent job as the book went along. The story at first was a little bit weird at first but if you can get passed the intro this is a great book and I recommend for anyone looking for something not on the beaten path.

Would you consider the audio edition of Breathless to be better than the print version?

Definitely. Narrator was awesome.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Miranda

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

Excellent in every way

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

If you're the type that expects a knight in shining armor hero this is not for you. But for those of us that like a very dark hero, or every now and then wish the villian and heroine would fall in love, this book is perfect. It's a roller coaster ride, that will have you laughing your head off, chearing Miranda on, crying for her, hating Lucien, then loving him, and throughout wanting to shake some sense into them both. At some points I hit rock bottom thinking there is no way this is going to turn out well b/c Lucien is truly a creep, but in the end, wow. Anne Stuart nailed it. Loved Reckless but Breathless is something else entirely! (Oh and the narrator made it that much better!)

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Can't wait to hear more from this listener?

You can now follow your favorite reviewers on Audible.

When you follow another listener, we'll highlight the books they review, and even email* you a copy of any new reviews they write. You can un-follow a listener at any time to stop receiving their updates.

* If you already opted out of emails from Audible you will still get review emails by the listeners you follow.